Ginger Cookies And Decorating Icing
Ginger cookies with warm spices and rich molasses flavor, perfect for holiday treats or anytime cookies that appeal to those who love spiced baked goods and decorative icing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, combine sugar, shortening, molasses, and vinegar.
- Bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool.
- Sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger, and cinnamon.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the eggs and cooled molasses mixture.
- Add dry ingredients, about 2 cups at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Divide the dough into thirds; wrap in waxed paper and thoroughly chill for about 2 hours or overnight.
- On a well floured board, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut in desired shapes with a cutter dipped in flour each time.
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter for added flavor. If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the ground ginger or add a pinch of ground cloves. Sift the flour and spices together to ensure even distribution. For a festive touch, consider using cookie cutters to create shapes for the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
These ginger cookies are delightful on their own, but you can enhance the experience by serving them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For a creative twist, try decorating them with the icing from the recipe, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They also make a wonderful gift during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ginger cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their softness and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ginger Cookies And Decorating Icing contains roughly 164 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for a richer flavor, or try using coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the color and taste of the cookies.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to roll out, sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface and on top of the dough. Alternatively, chilling the dough for a bit longer can help firm it up, making it easier to handle.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free ginger cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check the blend’s packaging for specific instructions, as ratios may vary.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).